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What Are Dental X-Rays?
A dental X-ray is an image that lets us see beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. A visual exam alone can only tell us so much. X-rays give us the full picture.
With digital X-rays, we can detect decay between teeth, root infections, bone loss, impacted teeth, and a range of other issues that would otherwise go unnoticed until they became painful and costly to treat.
Our X-rays use a very minimal amount of radiation and are safe for patients of all ages, including children. Your comfort and safety are always our priority.
What X-Rays Help Us Find
X-rays are one of the most important diagnostic tools in dentistry. Some of the most common things we look for include:
- Tooth decay hiding between teeth or under existing restorations
- Root infections that have not yet caused visible symptoms
- Bone loss related to gum disease
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Growth and development monitoring in children and teens
Catching these issues early means simpler, less expensive treatment. In many cases it means avoiding treatment altogether.
Quick, Comfortable, and Done in Minutes
Getting dental X-rays at White Center Smiles is simple. Here is what happens:
A team member will place a lead apron over your midsection for protection. A small, comfortable sensor is then positioned inside your mouth near the teeth being imaged. The X-ray is taken in seconds. We repeat this for any additional areas that need imaging.
Our team reviews the images right away and uses them to guide your treatment plan. The whole process is quick, painless, and gives us information that makes your care significantly more accurate.
We recommend X-rays at most routine appointments so we can track changes over time and stay ahead of any developing issues.